Animated sports training and simulator game system

ABSTRACT

A simulator system includes a projector, a target assembly and a data processing system. The target assembly includes a projection surface and a sensor array defines a sensing plane configured to sense a position of a projectile in the sensing plane relative to the projection surface.

BACKGROUND

Sports simulators are used to track objects and provide interactivity to simulate a sports environment. Current simulators include cameras to track a trajectory of a projectile directed toward a simulator screen or discrete targets that sense position of a projectile.

SUMMARY

A simulator system includes a projector, a target assembly and a data processing system. The target assembly includes a projection surface and a sensor array defines a sensing plane configured to sense a position of a projectile in the sensing plane relative to the projection surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a simulator system.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method for operating the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a target assembly.

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a sensor assembly in a first position.

FIG. 5 is a schematic section view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 4 is a second, deflected position.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a target assembly.

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of the target assembly of FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an example simulator system 10 that can be used for training and games related to various sports (e.g., hockey, soccer, baseball). The system 10 includes a target assembly 12, a projector 14 and a data processing system 16. During use, the projector 14 can display an image (e.g., a video sequence such as a moving goalie 15) onto the target assembly 12 and a user or player 18 can direct a projectile 20 toward the target assembly 12. The target assembly 12 can calculate a position for which the projectile 20 contacts the target assembly 12. The data processing system 16 can register the calculated position and communicate with the projector 14 to alter the image displayed on the target assembly 12 in response to the calculated position. In one embodiment, the data processing system is a media player available from BrightSign, LLC of Los Gatos, Calif.

In one embodiment, a velocity sensor (e.g., a radar gun) 22 can be coupled with the target assembly 12 (e.g., positioned behind a corresponding projection surface) to measure velocity of the projectile 20 approaching the target assembly 12. The velocity sensor 22 can be communicatively coupled with the data processing system 16 and the projector 14 can project velocity that is sensed by the sensor 22 onto the target assembly 12 (e.g., as shown as image 23). Additionally, one or more position sensors (e.g., sensors 24 and 26) can be communicatively coupled (e.g., through wiring) with the data processing system 16 to determine a position of the player 18 relative to the target assembly 12. The projector 14 can further be configured to project different images based on the determined position of the player 18 and other information (e.g., a score image 27) as desired. In additional embodiments, the system 10 can further include an audio amplifier 28 and corresponding speakers 30 to play sound corresponding to the image projected by the projector 14.

As discussed herein, the target assembly 12 includes a projection surface defining a projection plane (when not in a deflected condition) configured to display images from the projector 14 and a sensor array that defines a sensing plane configured to sense a position of a projectile relative to the projection surface. With respect to a player directing a projectile at the projection surface, the sensing plane can either be in front of or behind the projection plane. Additionally, the projection surface can be formed of a canvas type material (e.g., a polymer such as polyester or vinyl and/or combinations thereof) that is flexible to dampen forces of a projectile contacting the projection surface. In one embodiment, the projection surface is an entirely suffuse or nearly entirely suffuse surface that will dampen the force of projectiles striking the projection surface. In one embodiment, the sensing plane is substantially parallel to the projection plane. In one embodiment, a distance from the projection plane to the sensing plane is selected to be less than an overall dimension of an expected projectile that will contact the projection surface. In another embodiment, the distance from the projection plane to the sensing plane is approximately half of an overall dimension of the expected projectile. In one embodiment, the distance is selected to be less than two inches, less than four inches, less than ten inches or any distance therebetween.

The sensor array can take many forms, for example being configured to sense a position of the projectile in the sensing plane using an electromechanical device, a light-sensing device, a piezoelectric device, an optical device, a Hall-effect transducer and others. Regardless of the sensing device used, the sensor array defines the sensing plane and includes a plurality of sensors to sense projectiles within the sensing plane so as to make a determination of position of the projectile relative to the projection surface. Using the position determination, the projector 14 can project different videos and/or images onto the projection surface. As described herein the sensor array, in one embodiment, includes means for sensing a position of a projectile in a sensing plane (e.g., an X-Y position within the plane). The means can define structural elements that are positioned proximate the projection surface and operate to provide an output of the position to data processing system 16.

The data processing system 16 is configured to interpret position signals from the sensor array of the target assembly 12 and update images projected by the projector 14. The update can depend on a current image that is displayed on the target assembly 12. For example, an image of a goalie projected onto the target assembly 12 may coincide with a position of a projectile sensed by a sensor array of the target assembly 12. In such a case, the data processing system 16 can use the image data projected and the position data sensed and display a corresponding new video/image based on this information. Conversely, if the goalie image does not coincide with a position of a projectile sensed by a sensor array of target assembly 12, a goal may be recorded by system 10.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of one example method 100 for operating the simulator system 10. Other methods for operating the simulator system can be used. At step 102, position sensors 24 and 26 optionally sense position of the player 18. Next, at step 104, the projector 14 projects an image (e.g., a video image) on the target assembly 12. In one example, the image includes one or more target areas where the player 18 should aim the projectile 20. In the case of simulating a hockey goalie, four corners of a net and/or a space between leg pads of the goalie can be example target areas. The player 18 then directs the projectile 20 toward the target assembly 12 at step 106.

The target assembly 12 then registers a position of the projectile 20 with respect to the target assembly 12 at step 108, for example using a sensor array. The registered position of the projectile 20 is then compared with a position of elements in the video image at the time the position of the projectile 20 was registered. Based on the registered position of the projectile 20 and the position of elements in the video image, it can be determined whether a goal was scored at step 112.

As an example, in one specific embodiment, the player 18 is a hockey player that shoots a puck 20 at the target assembly 12, which can include a projected image of a goalie. If the puck 20 registers a position with respect to the target assembly 12 where the goalie image is not present, a “score” can be registered. Conversely, if the puck 20 contacts the target assembly 12 where the goalie image is present, a “save” or “missed shot” can be recorded.

Returning to FIG. 2, a score can be recorded at step 114 and a corresponding goal video and/or audio sequence can be played at step 116. If a goal is not scored, method 100 can proceed from step 112 to step 118, where a missed shot is recorded and a corresponding missed shot video and/or audio sequence can be played at step 120.

In addition to determining the position of the projectile 20, the method 100 can simultaneously therewith sense velocity of the projectile 20 at step 122. The sensed velocity can then be output to the data processing system 16 at step 124. At step 126, the data processing system 16 can communicate with the projector 14 to display the sensed velocity.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary target assembly 12′ that includes a projection surface 200 and a sensor array 202 positioned behind the projection surface 200 when viewed from the perspective of the player 18. In addition, the velocity sensor 20 is also positioned behind the projection surface 200. The sensor array 202 supports a plurality of sensor assemblies 204 (e.g., sensor assemblies 204 a-e) within a support frame 206. The plurality of sensor assemblies 204 include portions configured to deflect with respect to the support frame 206 if a projectile contacts one of the sensor assemblies 204.

With further reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, in one embodiment, the projection surface 200 is an impact screen forming a projection plane 201 and is configured to dampen the force of projectiles against the projection surface 200. In one embodiment, the surface 200 is formed of polyester and may include strengthening fibers for reinforcement. Sensor assembly 204, forming a part of sensor array 202, is located behind the projection surface 200 and is configured to generate a signal upon a projectile striking the projection surface 200 proximate the sensor assembly. Sensor assembly 204 can take many forms. As illustrated, sensor assembly 204 includes a front plate 220 spaced apart from a rear plate 222 by one or more resilient supports 224. In the embodiment illustrated, the supports 224 are springs, although other resilient structures can be utilized, such as rubber columns, air bladders and others that allow deflection of the front plate 220 with respect to the rear plate 222. Sensor assembly 204 also includes a circuit assembly 230 that includes one or more contact points 232 coupled with the front plate 220, one or more contact points 234 coupled with the rear plate 222 and a signal generator 236 in electrical communication with the contact points 232 and 234 through wiring 238. The contact points 234, in one embodiment, define a sensing plane 223. The contact points 232, in one embodiment, can be coupled with the front plate 220 using a resilient support 240. The resilient support 240 can be used to locate the contact point 232 away from the front plate 220 and assure contact between corresponding contact points 232 and 234. Additionally, the resilient support 240 can be used to dampen impact between the contact points 232 and 234. In an alternative embodiment, the contact point 234 can be connected to the rear plate 222 using a corresponding resilient support, with resilient support 240 being eliminated, or in addition to the use of resilient support 240.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, upon contact of a projectile 20 with the projection surface 200, force from the projectile 20 causes contact of the projection surface 200 with front plate 220. In addition, the force causes front plate 220 to deflect with respect to rear plate 222, causing electrical contact between contact points 232 and 234 (the upper points as shown). This contact completes circuit 230 and allows signal generator 236 to generate a signal indicative of contact of projectile 20 proximate the sensor assembly 204. The data processing system 16 can then interpret the signal and further determine if a shot is blocked and project an image or video onto the projection surface 200 consistent with the determination.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an alternative exemplary target assembly 12″ that includes a projection surface 300 and a sensor array 302. In the embodiment illustrated, a protective guard 304 is positioned in front of the sensor array 302 to provide protection of the sensor array 302 during use. The projection surface 300 is formed of an impact screen similar to projection surface 200 discussed above (e.g., formed of polyester with optional reinforcement fibers) and positioned behind the sensor array 302. The sensor array 302 In one embodiment, the sensor array 302 is a frame including a plurality of radiation sensors, a plurality of radiation sources and a controller as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,453,726, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. One example frame that includes a sensor array is available from Baanto International Ltd., of Mississauga, Canada.

The protective guard 304 defines an opening 306 defining a width “W” and a height “H”. The sensor array 302 senses a position of a projectile that contacts projection surface 300 passing through the opening. In particular, the sensor array 302 can provide an indication of position of the projectile relative to the position surface 300. For example, the indication of the position can be represented by an X-Y coordinate value along the width (X value) and the height (Y value). To that end, the sensor array 302 includes a plurality of radiation sensors 308 (herein shown as sensors 308 a-308 c) and a plurality of radiation sources 310 (herein shown as separate radiation arrays 310 a-310 c). The plurality of radiation sources 310, in one embodiment, include spaced apart light emitting diodes (LEDs). During operation, the radiation sources 310 emit light (e.g., in the infrared spectrum). The plurality of radiation sensors 308 are positioned to sense light emitted from the plurality of radiation sources 310. In the event a projectile is positioned between the sources 310 and sensors 308 (i.e., within opening 306), the sensors 308 determine that radiation from sources 310 is not reaching the sensors 308. Accordingly, the sensors 308 can determine the position of the projectile as further discussed in the aforementioned '726 patent and transmit that information to the data processing system 16.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, an example arrangement of the projection surface 300, sensor array 302 and protective guard 304 is illustrated in a schematic sectional view. The guard 304 is positioned in front of array 302 and defines the opening 306. The projection surface 300 defines a projection plane 301 and the sensor array 302 defines a sensing plane 303. In the embodiment illustrated, the projection plane 301 and sensing plane 303 are parallel to one another. When a projectile enters opening 306, the projectile blocks the emission of light from sources 310 in the sensing plane 303, such that a corresponding sensor 308 will sense that a projectile is present and can register the position of the projectile within the opening 306. A distance from the array 302 to the projection surface 300 can be selected to maintain a projectile within opening 306 such that the projectile has sufficient time to block radiation from the sources 310 and accordingly the blocked radiation can be sensed by sensors 308. In one embodiment, a distance from the array 302 to projection surface 300 is selected to be approximately one half of a dimension (e.g., width) of an expected projectile that will be sensed by array 302. As a result, during use, a front edge of the projectile will strike the projection surface 300 and an approximate midpoint of the projectile will be in the field of light emission from the sources 310, allowing sufficient time for sensors 308 to determine a position of the projectile within the opening 306.

Various embodiments of the invention have been described above for purposes of illustrating the details thereof and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The details and features of the disclosed embodiment[s] are not intended to be limiting, as many variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be interpreted broadly and to include all variations and modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

1. A simulation system, comprising: a projector configured to project an image; a target assembly, comprising: a projection surface defining a projection plane and configured to display the image from the projector; a sensor array defining a sensing plane including a plurality of sensors positioned to sense a position of a projectile in the sensing plane relative to the projection surface; and a data processing system configured to alter the image on the display screen based on the sensed position.
 2. The simulation system of claim 1, wherein the projection surface comprises an impact screen formed of a polymer.
 3. The simulation system of claim 1, wherein the projection surface is substantially an entirely suffuse surface.
 4. The simulation system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array is supported by a frame proximate the projection surface.
 5. The simulation system of claim 3, further comprising a protective guard, wherein the protective guard is positioned on a side of the frame opposite the projection surface.
 6. The simulation system of claim 4, wherein the protective guard forms an opening to the projection surface.
 7. The simulation system of claim 5, wherein the sensor array includes a plurality of radiation sources and a plurality of radiation sensors, the plurality of radiation sensors positioned to determine if the projectile blocks radiation from at least one of the plurality of radiation sensors.
 8. The simulation system of claim 1, further comprising a radar detector configured to calculate a velocity of the projectile.
 9. The simulation system of claim 1, further comprising a position sensor configured to detect a position of a user relative to the projection surface.
 10. The simulation system of claim 1, wherein the projector is positioned closer to the sensing plane than the projection plane.
 11. The simulation system of claim 1, wherein the projector is positioned closer to the projection plane than the sensing plane.
 12. The simulation system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array comprises a front plate defining a first contact point and a rear plate defining a second contact point, wherein the front plate is configured to deflect relative to the rear plate such that electrical contact between the first contact point and the second contact point indicates the position of the projectile in the sensing plane.
 13. A method, comprising: projecting an image onto a projection surface, the projection surface defining a projection plane; positioning a sensor array proximate the projection surface, the sensor array defining a sensing plane; determining a position of a projectile within the sensing plane relative to the projection surface; altering the image based on the position of the projectile.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the projection surface is substantially an entirely suffuse surface.
 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: positioning a protective guard in front of the sensor array, the protective guard defining an opening; and positioning the sensing plane between the opening and the projection surface.
 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: positioning the sensor array behind the projection surface, such that the projection surface deflects toward the sensing plane upon being struck by the projectile.
 17. The method of claim 13, further comprising: detecting a position of a user relative to the projection surface.
 18. A simulator system, comprising: a projector configured to display an image; a target assembly, comprising: a projection surface defining a projection plane and configured to display the image from the projector; and means for sensing a position of a projectile within a sensing plane relative to the projection surface; and a data processing system configured to alter the image on the display screen based on the sensed position.
 19. The simulator system of claim 18, wherein the means for sensing comprises a plurality of radiation sources and a plurality of radiation sensors.
 20. The simulator system of claim 18, wherein the means for sensing comprises first and second plates arranged in parallel to one another. 